People in Kadugli, Abu Jubaiha, and Habila localities in South Kordofan have complained about the outbreak of an unknown fever. The outbreak has also been acknowledged by the state’s health minister. 

A number of residents revealed that the symptoms of this disease are high fever, vomiting, and headaches. It has led to “a high mortality rate”, they told Radio Dabanga. The residents pointed to the shortage of medicines and health care.

“The state authorities ignored us despite the repeated complaints,” said one source.  South Kordofan’s Minister of Health said that the government has sent medical teams to the affected areas.

In a press release, Minister Abdallah Imam El Tom previously acknowledged the spread of hemorrhagic fever, as well as leishmaniasis. He revealed that 25 people were infected and have been isolated in hospitals.  

The national cabinet has ordered health officials to step up disease surveillance in the areas where the two diseases have been reported, including Kadugli, Habila and Abu Jubaiha.

El Tom added that this year’s outbreak of the diseases is smaller than a similar outbreak last year. He said the problem is exacerbated by the movement of cattle herders in the area and the lack of quality healthcare facilities.

File photo: Area residents gathered at a UN compound in Kadugli (Paul Banks / UNMIS)

Related: 

Hemorrhagic fever cases reported in Sudan’s Kordofan (5 Nov.)